The idea of the SA People Project started in January 2020 as a way to tell patient stories. John, Claire, Nas, Sujaan, Will, and I were part of the original crew and we spent months preparing our content and infrastructure prior to our launch on May 26, 2020. As a team, we have made this project more than I ever imagined and my experiences with SAPP have meant more to me than I expected. It has changed the way I’ve approached my everyday life. Our initial interviewees were people that we knew… or that we thought we knew. Through the interview process I’ve learned more about the hopes, dreams, desires, and fears of people than before. I interviewed one of my best friends and I learned things that I didn’t know about her, even after over a decade of friendship. It made me think about my daily interactions with people and if I was truly connecting with them. I knew how to connect with patients, but did I know how to connect in my non-medical life?
It may sound crazy, but the world looks brighter since I started working with the group at SAPP. Now when I meet people, I want to know more about them and connect in meaningful ways. By doing this, I’ve seen more positivity and hope in the world because I instinctively look for it. I also appreciate the bravery it takes for each one of our interviewees to be vulnerable enough to share their lives and it has inspired me to be more truthful and transparent as I share mine.
SAPP has given me a chance to mentor medical students in meaningful ways and I’ve really enjoyed watching the students mentor and support each other. This group is more than a collection of people. We are a team and we care about each other. Our team has grown to 10 people and I’m excited for the future as we grow and evolve. For the non-medical readers, know that the future of medicine is in good hands. I am comforted knowing that this group of caring, dedicated, and respectful young doctors will be leading the way.
If you’re interested in working with SAPP either as a content creator or an interviewee, please let us know! Over the next few weeks, you’ll meet our new members, Abakar, Allie, Anna, Marie, and Janet!
Story: Amita Shah, Photo: Sujaan Lal